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It seems we are going to see number of new Sony Xperia handsets in upcoming months as just now two new Sony models i.e. Sony D5833 and Sony D2403 are spotted at Indonesian Postel website. Sony D6653, Sony D2502 and Sony D2533 were also seen a few days back on same postel.
Indonesian Postel has a strong reliable history of certifying Xperia handsets which were later launched in market. It seems Sony is planning to launch many mid range Xperia devices in market. Sony D5833 seems a mid range Xperia devices from the naming convention while Sony D2403 has been spotted in past on GFX Benchmark stating it a 4.4″ display device, S400 1.2 GHz quad core processor, Adreno 305 GPU.
Sony D5833 and Sony D2403
Below you can see the certification of Sony D5833, Sony D2403 on Indonesian Postel website.
We will keep you posted as soon as more sold info comes on Sony D5833 and Sony D2403 existence. What do you think guys is launching so many Xperia handsets with similar specs in a very short span, a good strategy from Sony ? Drop your comments below.
Thanks Ben 🙂


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Critics say tax holiday not such a bargain
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) —
Sunday was the last day of Arkansas's tax free weekend. The tax holiday started in 2011 and seems to be thriving four years later. Some opposed to Arkansas tax holiday said that shoppers are not getting the deals they think they are.Jason Cline, President of GenLink Strategies said, "The holiday distracts politicians from the kind of tax policy they should be addressing which is real relief for hard working families."Tracey Cochran is the mother of seven children. She said the tax holiday is essential for getting essential things for her family. Cochran prepares a plan with her children prior to shopping at the busy stores.
"We knew exactly what we needed to get," Cochran said. "I had great helpers and they just gathered up their things and put it int he car. We checked out and got out of here very quickly."
Cline said he compared pricing of various items before and during the tax holiday and did not see huge amounts of savings. "A lot of times what will happen retailers don't offer a discount in lieu of using this weekend as a time to use the governments price cut on their behalf," Cline said.After two days of shopping Cochran said her family saved more than $50. "We already knew exactly how much it was going to be with the 8.5% tax, we knew it'd be about $50 all together...that's almost a tank of gas for some people."Cline suggests in order to make the tax holiday more effective, the state should change what can be considered taxable."Talk about exempting things other than pens and pencils wedding apparel, garters and diapers," Cline said. "Start taking about tablets computers things that kids really need now a days to getting comfortable, and if they are going to compete in the modern economy for jobs."

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Ampersand Partners with Experian to Introduce New Audience Segments into the AND Platform
New audience segments are now available for every brand marketer in Ampersand's AND Platform, powering audience-first TV investments in Linear, Streaming and Addressable TV
08 Apr, 2021, 09:00 ET
NEW YORK, April 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ampersand, the audience-first TV advertising sales and technology company, announced the availability of Experian audience segments within its AND Platform. The integration of Experian data allows Ampersand to offer multiscreen TV advertisers the ability to reach consumers and deliver relevant messages, using anonymized and aggregated data, across every brand vertical, including financial services, QSR, retail, travel and more.
Ampersand's AND Platform, a multiscreen TV planning, buying and measurement platform launched at the beginning of 2020, accounts for the single largest source of TV inventory in the industry, encompassing linear and streaming TV. The AND Platform provides marketers with reach across 85 million households, 120+ cable networks and more than 60% of all U.S. addressable households.
As part of the rollout, all Experian segments are accessible to both Managed Service and Self-Service beta clients of Ampersand's AND Platform. Ampersand clients will be able to tap into Experian's ConsumerViewSM database, which aims to help advertisers better understand their target audience, and truly gain insight into their tendencies and preferences to help brands make stronger, longer lasting connections with consumers.
The AND Platform is the first advanced buy-side TV platform to centralize campaign planning and measurement within a single interface, supporting both local and national TV investment strategies with an audience-first solution. Fueled by anonymized and aggregated viewership insights from nearly 40 million households, the platform drives improved audience-based, multiscreen campaign performance across the largest source of TV viewing in the US.
"We launched the AND Platform last year as a platform solution that would transform how both local and national advertisers could better target, buy, measure, and optimize their multiscreen TV campaigns in a unified and more effective manner," said Kalyan Lanka, Ampersand Vice President, Product. "Experian matches our commitment to transformation, and this partnership will act as a force multiplier in accelerating the multiscreen TV industry's adoption of an audience-first approach, emphasizing scale of inventory, insights and superior measurement."
"Television advertising has become very fragmented; advertisers are relying on separate ad-buying strategies for digital, linear, addressable and connected TV, resulting in ineffective campaigns and messages that do not reach the intended audience," said Geneveive Juillard, President of Experian Marketing Services. "Our collaboration with Ampersand aims to transform TV ad buys and converge them under one roof, offering baseline audiences that can be used across screens. It opens the door for a more streamlined buying and measurement process, and more importantly, advertisers can deliver messages that resonate with their audience."
Ampersand is a data-driven TV advertising sales and technology company with the mission of enabling advertisers to reach their audiences across the full range of TV and digital environments. With a commitment to constant innovation and growth, Ampersand reaches 85 million households leveraging unique data insights to connect brands with audiences to drive desired outcomes. Ampersand is owned by three of the largest cable operators in the US: Comcast Corporation, Charter Communications, Inc. and Cox Communications. For more information, please visit Ampersand at www.ampersand.tv.
Experian is the world's leading global information services company. During life's big moments — from buying a home or a car to sending a child to college to growing a business by connecting with new customers — we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.
We have 17,800 people operating across 45 countries, and every day we're investing in new technologies, talented people and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.
Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.
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In a statement issued, Solon said that manufacturing operations will be phased out by the end of this October. Of the 130 employees based at the companys U.S. headquarters, 60 will be let go.
The remaining 70 jobs, in the areas of sales and marketing, engineering, research and product development, project management, finance, and other support functions will be kept.
The reason for the turnaround was attributed to the U.S.' evolving solar market. "We regret the near-term impact of this business decision on our employees and the Tucson community, but as a company Solon is adapting to a rapidly changing solar market," explained Dan Alcombright, Solons president and CEO of North America.?
Although it is unknown if the company will ramp up capacity elsewhere to compensate for the lost production, it did say that it will be investing in, among other things, new product development. It added that before the end of the year, new products will be introduced to the market. It is unclear, however, what these are.
Alcombright commented: "We will continue to aggressively expand in Tucson and our other U.S. offices to support our efforts on commercial and large-scale project development, supply chain excellence, and new product development."
It was also said that Solon Corporation will partner with both utilities and commercial businesses, in order for it to focus on its core business as a vertically integrated system solutions provider.
Solon opened its Tucson module and photovoltaic system manufacturing facility in October 2008. Initial production capacity was 60 megawatts peak, and 100 people were employed. Both crystalline and thin film modules are produced there, as are photovoltaic systems.
At the time, Tucson Regional Economic Organization president and CEO Joe Snell commented, "We expect Solon to be a cornerstone of very large solar economic development in Southern Arizona."
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A director’s cut video of The Last Story has been released featuring RPG legend Hironobu Sakaguchi as he and Nintendo celebrate the launch of the Wii-exclusive. Check it out below. The game is out today in the UK and will release on Wii in the US sometime this summer.
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. For more information, go here.


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Sydney-based investments firm Allegro Funds has acquired privately owned ice cream maker Everest Foods in a transaction believed to be valued at close to $30 million.
Based in Melbourne, Everest Foods manufactures and distributes the premium NorgenVaaz and Gelateria brands, as well as Everest gelato.
Established in 1958, the company has a strong presence in the scoop-and-serve segment.
Strategic advisory business Comet Line Consulting helped the vendor successfully exit Everest Foods. Director David Baveystock said a number of foodservice markets "remain highly fragmented, and are ripe for further consolidation opportunities”.
Allegro Funds also took control of Pizza Hut in Australia earlier this year.


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Late last month, HTC and Valve revealed plans to hold a content showcase on January 28th in Seattle, where the company says it will show off unrevealed software for its upcoming HTC Vive virtual reality headset ahead of the device’s April release date.
Some have speculated that this would be the perfect opportunity for Valve, HTC’s partner with the Vive, to reveal Half-Life 3 (or a new Portal title), a game the developer hasn’t discussed in years, but is widely assumed to be developing in secret, possibly for the HTC Vive.
But anyone hoping for a surprise Half-Life 3 reveal will be disappointed to hear that Chet Faliszek, a writer at Valve who has worked on both the Half-Life and Portal series, says the event is focused on highlighting upcoming third-party Vive experiences.
Just to clarify for everyone, the content showcase is about highlighting select 3rd party experiences. Valve is not showing content there.
— Chet Faliszek (@chetfaliszek) January 17, 2016
Given the Aperture Science SteamVR demo Valve and HTC have repeatedly shown off leading up to the Vive’s release, it’s expected that a new entry in the Portal series will make its way to the VR headset at some point in the future. At CES 2016 the company also revealed a new trailer for the Vive that featured Portal character Chell blowing up a wall, although the company declined to comment on the trailer in various interviews over the course of CES.
At CES 2016, Valve revealed a revamped version of the Vive called the Vive Pre. This final pre-release development build of HTC’s VR headset features a smaller, refined build and a front facing camera that improves the Vive’s innovative Chaperone system, which allows the device to map the room, and highlight objects/people via the Vive’s Room Scale tracking technology.
Pre-orders for the Vive are expected to launch in late February.


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Mulberry closes its Somerset factories due to UK's social distancing measures
Luxury British handbag brand, Mulberry has announced it will be closing its factories in Somerset for at least three weeks due to the social distancing measures introduced by the British government to limit the spread of Coronavirus.
The brand's UK stores have been closed since 21 March and it is reviewing its international outlets on a “case-by-case basis”.
According to a report from i News, the Somerset facilities in Chilcompton and Bridgwater have also closed. These factories produced around half of Mulberry's leather goods and were a key priority for the Mulberry flagship store during London Fashion Week in February.
i News reported the brand will be reviewing the case next month and will decide how to move forward amid the crises. Mulberry's staff will continue to be paid during the period.
This week, the luxury brand warned it expects to slump to a second-half loss as it said trading has been “severely impacted” by the Coronavirus crisis.
Mulberry had already been struggling financially before the Coronavirus pandemic struck, with bosses warning that the UK market remains tough and heavy discounting is hitting profits.
Last month, Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group bought a 12.5% stake in the brand. Mulberry also recently announced that its Creative Director, Johnny Coca, who formerly worked at Celine, would be leaving the company at the end of the month.


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Telus Launching New Renewal Process for Premium and Premium Plus Subscribers
Telus will change the renewal process for its wireless Premium and Premium Plus plans on August 14, 2018.
Bell’s Unlimited Canada-U.S. Calling Plans to Increase by $5/Month
Bell will be increasing the cost of all its unlimited Canada-U.S. plans.
Telus Decreases U.S. Roaming Prices as Competition Increases
Telus has announced new U.S. roaming prices, which brings decreased prices and new bundled features.


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Independent agency Liquid Ideas is celebrating a range of new client wins, as well as welcoming new people to its PR, social and content teams.
Liquid Ideas will manage all earned communications and publicity, influencer marketing, content amplification and media events for Universal Sony Home Entertainment.
The agency has also expanded its work with De’Longhi in winning PR, social, content, influencer and advocacy work across the brand, as well as Kenwood.
Furthermore, Liquid Ideas has welcomed Luna Park, new Sydney restaurant Bistecca and Brisbane’s new Stanley Restaurant to its client list.
Returning from maternity leave, client and culture director Jemma Blanch (nee Lee) joins Belinda Brett (client and strategy director) and Sally Lewis (media and hospitality director) to welcome six new staff to support the agency’s growth.
Thom Landers joins Liquid Ideas’ senior team from Edelman Australia as senior client director, and Cannes Young Lions silver winner Fie Lyster has joined the agency from Publicis Denmark as a social media strategist and creative.
In addition, Emma Hutton joins the team as account manager after time at Rockpool and Australian Gourmet Traveller, Alex Metros and Gabriella Kwok join as senior account executives, and Neha Lokesh has been appointed as an account executive.
Liquid Ideas CEO Narelle Graig said: “It’s been a stellar start to Liquid’s next chapters as we continue to keep growing our hospitality heritage, as well as new lifestyle consumer and FMCG sectors.
“Equally exciting is the brilliant additions to our already fantastic Liquid team.”
Photo (L-R): Emma Hutton, Thom Landers, Fie Lyster, Alex Metros and Jemma Blanch
To celebrate brands going “above and beyond to act with purpose”, Mumpower has announced its first-ever consumer choice awards. The ‘Vote on Purpose’ Australian Business Award 2021 aims to crown Australia’s favourite purpose-driven company, with Mumpower now calling on both corporations and Mum shoppers to nominate a value-led company or a specific brand campaign that […]
Sports fans will have to pay $10 a month to sign up for Stan Sport when it launches later this year, according to reports. The Nine-owned Sydney Morning Herald, is today reporting that Stan (also owned by Nine) will offer Stan Sport as a supplementary service, meaning fans must also have a subscription to Stan’s […]


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Shares of Apple Inc. rallied 1% in premarket trade Thursday, putting them on track for a fourth-straight gain, amid signs of strong demand for the technology giant's new smartphones. The stock has soared 8.4% week to date through Wednesday, the best three-day stretch since it ran up 9.2% in the three sessions ending Aug. 28, 2015, with strong preorder sales of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus smartphones at T-Mobile US Inc. and Sprint Corp. providing a boost. Reports that the smartphones had sold out, and will not be available for walk-in purchases when the phones hit stores on Friday, helped fuel gains. Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry said the sellout suggests average selling prices will rise, as the higher-priced iPhone 7 Plus should outsell the regular iPhone 7. Apple's stock has climbed 6.2% year to date through Wednesday, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average has gained 3.5%.
Copyright © 2016 MarketWatch, Inc.
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Taking an in-depth look at when the NFL ditched its unique and colorful Super Bowl logos for a templated design.
The Los Angeles Rams wasted no time picking the uniform they’d wear at Super Bowl LIII. Within an hour of their overtime victory in New Orleans in the NFC Championship, their official Twitter account @RamsNFL Tweeted the following… Yes, the Rams will wear their throwback uniforms at the Super Bowl!
The 2018 NFL Playoffs kick off this weekend, so it’s time to start looking at who we might see pair up at Super Bowl LIII which is now less than one month away. With six teams on each side that leaves us with thirty-six potential Super Bowl LIII matchups, the number
Thanks to the program for Super Bowl LII (and the many people on Twitter and via email who sent it to me) we’ve got ourselves a look at the logo that will be used for next year’s Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta. Yeah, like we didn’t already know what it’s


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Latin American Cold Chain Summit
The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) and its partner Associação Brasileira da Indústria de Armazenagem (ABIAF) are holding a Latin American Cold Chain Summit, October 16-17, 2012 in São Paulo, Brazil.
“Development of the cold chain is critical in Latin America to meet the increasing demand for perishable foods caused by a retail boom and a growing trade business in the region,” says GCCA president and CEO Bill Hudson. “This summit will help cold chain companies from around the world develop their infrastructure and better meet international standards for quality and food safety.”
To learn more, click HERE.


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Free money is mighty appealing. Would you open a new bank account for $50? How about $100? A number of banks and credit unions will pay you that much or more to become a new customer.
Citizens Bank is offering a cash bonus of up to $175 to those who open a new personal checking account by the end of the month. Key Bank will give you $150. At TruMark Financial, a credit union in Pennsylvania, new customers can also earn up to $150.
"Like any business, financial institutions offer promotional incentives to attract new business,” said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com. “In years past, it might have been a toaster, but currently the incentive that resonates with people is cash."
The new-customer bonus comes in various forms: money that’s deposited directly into your account, rewards points or a prepaid debit card. And there are typically various hoops to jump through to qualify.
At NerdWallet, the price comparison website, they track these bonus offers. Senior analyst John Gower told me customers are typically required to sign up for one or more services, such as direct deposit, online bill pay or e-statements to qualify for the cash-reward.
“These are things that save the bank money by reducing the amount of human interaction they need for these services,” Gower said. “And that’s how they can pay for the bonus.”
For example, the S.T.A.R.T savings program from U.S. Bank offers $100 cash back, but it’s not all at once. You get a $50 prepaid Visa card after you open a new account and the balance reaches $1,000. Keep a minimum $1,000 balance for a year and you get another $50 card.
That $175 bonus from Citizens Bank is also incremental. You get $50 to enroll and make three online bill payments, $50 after you set up direct deposit and make a single direct deposit of $500 or more to your new account, get another $50 for doing both direct deposit and online banking. The final $25 comes after you open a savings account and transfer $25 into it.
A few banks require a substantial commitment to get the bonus bucks. At Chase, you need to make a new deposit of $10,000 or more that is not already in another Chase account to have the $125 bonus added to your account.
With interest rates miserably low right now, an extra $50 or $100 bucks to open a new account may be tempting. After all, if you had a thousand dollars in the average interest-bearing checking account – which is paying 0.51 percent right now, according to Bankrate.com – you’d earn a measly $5.11 at the end of a year.
So, that free cash is clearly a nice bonus, but it should not be the sole factor – or even the main one – that determines where you park your money.
“You really want the account that’s right for you because you’re probably going to be with that bank for years,” NerdWallet’s Gower said. “So $100 upfront isn’t going to make up for a lot of fees or if you end up with an extremely low interest rate. That’s going to hurt you much more in the long-run than you will gain upfront.”


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HEADLINE: Grinch didn't stop at area stores
NUTGRAPH: Local retailers say Christmas sales were strong here despite incessant reports of a recession in the nation.
By Travis Baker
You might have known. One of the few Kitsap retailers with sales that were down slightly this Christmas season believes it was the economy elsewhere that did it.
Local sales were up, said Nancy Hulshizer of Mark's Flower in Bremerton, but a steep decline in orders from out of the area made for a sales drop she guessed might be about 2 percent.
That may serve as a microcosm of the local situation, which produced robust Christmas spending despite nationwide talk of recession and local shoppers' insistence they were being more conservative this year.
"This last quarter ... proved to me the consumers out there, at least in Kitsap County, aren't panic stricken at word of the recession," said Aaron Beck of Beck's KaufmanLebo furniture in Bremerton. "We had kind of a down summer, and thought it might continue, but they proved us wrong."
Store after store reported sales exceeding not only last year's weather-stricken totals, but 1989's December figures as well.
"The best year ever," said Hildegard Drolshagen at Ross Dress for Less in Silverdale.
"An excellent December, much better than expectations," said Richard Hollenbeck at J.C. Penney Co. Inc. at Kitsap Mall.
Fred Sigenthaler of Computer Connection in Silverdale said this Christmas was the best of the three years he's been general manager.
"Especially the last two weeks and even now, the sales were very strong," said Kent Barber of Toy R Us. "The Silverdale store in general was a little better than our overall."
Dan Engelhard of Kitsap Mall reported a 17 percent increase in mall vehicle traffic in December. Considering the ice that covered everything for much of 1990's week before Christmas, that's not surprising. But Engelhard said the 27,208 cars counted Monday, Dec. 23, and the 26,400 on Saturday, the 21st, bettered the previous one-day record of 26,200, set in 1989.
The feedback from mall merchants was good, Engelhard said. And Richard Gehring of South Kitsap Mall and Tim Ryan of Poulsbo Village said they were hearing the same thing.
"I talked with The Hub, Hallmarks and Kids," said Gehring, "and they were all up from last year. And, as usual, the (parking) lot was filled to the max. It was good to see."
Ryan said, "From all indications I have, it was a very successful Christmas season." What indications? "Smiles," he said. "When you see a merchant smile, and the parking lot's full, something good is happening."
Approaches to ensuring that success varied. Some stores cut prices as Christmas neared, and cut more after it was past. Clothing stores like Ross and J.C. Penney, trying to make room for spring lines arriving in their shipping departments, were cutting fall and winter clothing.
Drolshagen at Ross said they started their clearance sales before Christmas, with 30 percent markdowns on fall and winter wear. Those cuts will get deeper as the Jan. 12 inventory nears.
Hollenbeck, too, said seasonal goods and cold weather apparel are the best bargains now. And Saturday, Dec. 21, "was the biggest day ever in sales dollar volume" at his store, he said.
Lamonts execs were all taking time off with the Christmas crush over, as were the Bon Marche's. But the Bon did turn out a company statement that said, "Sales were good at the Silverdale Bon. We experienced a low doubledigit increase over last year, and we're very pleased."
Lou Weir, who runs Weir's Appliances in Silverdale, said "brown goods" were up substationally from last year. Brown goods in his business are electronics, he said, and big screen TVs and camcorders were sales leaders.
His store tries to turn over inventory every 60 days, so he expected price cuts in the next couple of weeks to clear slow-moving merchandise.
Dan Fissel at the new Eagle Hardware store in Bremerton said neither his store nor the entire Eagle chain have much with which to compare this Christmas. Eagle Hardware was founded in the past two years.
But his store beat its sales projections, he said. Tools, both power and manual, were hot.
Christmas is not the top sales period for either DJ's Music in Port Orchard and Silverdale, or Sande's Boatworks in Belfair and East Bremerton. For DJ's, the top sales are in the fall when school starts, said Donald Joseph of the store. For boats, it's in the spring, said Sam Bolling at Sande's. But both reported good Christmas sales nonetheless.
The boating business is said to be suffering the worst from the nation's recession. "We've been expecting it because everybody says it's true," Bolling said. "Our sales are down slightly, but we're quite pleased" so far.
Staff photo by Lynn Saunders
Jim Westall of Port Townsend wears an assortment of neon rainbow jumpropes made by physically and mentally challenged employees at his not-for-profit company, Skookum Jump Rope. See the story of this growing toy manufacturer with a special twist, on page A5.


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The European arm’s loss for the year to 31 March 2016 was in stark contrast to the £435m profiit posted in its previous results.
Turnover for the division was down by 15.3 per cent over the same period, falling to £6.87bn from £8.11bn the year before.
Chief executive Hans Fischer said demand in Europe was “undermined by continued surging imports in 2015”.
He said imports “rose so fast that domestic deliveries declined, and prices came under further pressure”.
He added that it was “vital” the European Commission and national governments continued to “strengthen action against unfair trade”.
Tata said its board was “actively reviewing all options” for its UK businesses, including a potential sale.
Its UK arm has already agreed to sell its Long Proucts Europe business to Greybull Capital, which will be completed once contracts are transferred and “certain government approvals” are met.
In January this year, Tata Steel UK axed 750 staff at its Port Talbot-based Strip Products UK business, with 200 support jobs and a further 100 jobs at steel mills in Trostre, Corby and Hartlepool also cut.
It also announced it would axe 1,200 jobs at its Scunthorpe plant in October last year, but these jobs could potentially be saved once the sale to Greybull Capital is completed.
The company is shifting its output to focus on higher-value sales and differentiated products, which now make up over a third of total sales.
In the UK, the firm said it would be focusing on “higher-value sales rather than volume”.
Liquid steel production across Europe stood at 3.41m tonnes, down from 3.91m tonnes in its previous results, while deliveries fell to 3.55m tonnes, down from 3.81m tonnes over the same period
In April, business secretary Sajid Javid announced that the government would provide debt financing, or take up to 25 per cent of Tata Steel UK, to encourage “a credible private buyer” to come forward, a move welcomed by the steel industry.


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June 29, 2012 BY John Kim / 12
It’s time to get a little wild with your kicks because tomorrow, the sneaker game goes on Safari with the release of the two keynote Nike Retros ordained with the iconic graphic print. Tinker Hatfield was inspired by a couch he spotted in a high-end furniture shop, and from there, he created the original Air Safari as one of the first performance/lifestyle sneakers ever, and in 2012, Nike Sportswear did us a huge favor by re-releasing the OG as well as it’s fellow class of ’87 graduate Air Trainer 1 in the familiar print. Nikestore jumped the gun and dropped these a week ago, but the June 30th release date is still on schedule at a number of Nike Sportswear retailers, so don’t miss out on one of the best Nike Retro releases of the year by snagging them tomorrow from WEST or on eBay.
Nike Air Trainer 1 Premium NRG
Nike Air Safari Premium NRG
Nike Sportswear “Safari” Pack – Release Reminder http://t.co/fZPbfRwO via @sneakernews
Nike Sportswear “Safari” Pack – Release Reminder http://t.co/TnKyQs4d via @sneakernews
Already got mine this weekend. They are awesome. Nike accidentally released them last Saturday, and I was able to get them before they sold out. Great quality, and so comfortable. And they aren't $110 dollars, at least not the Air Safaris. I only paid $90 on Nikestore.
Nike Sportswear “Safari” Pack – Release Reminder: It’s time to get a little wild with your kicks because tomorro... http://t.co/YIrq27Qv


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Kirk Kerkorian, the corporate raider who tried to buy Chrysler five years ago, sued DaimlerChrysler A.G. and three of its top officials today, accusing them of having gained control of the American automaker under false pretenses in 1998. He asked a federal court to order Daimler to pay him $8 billion in damages, and possibly to dissolve the merger.
Mr. Kerkorian's holding company, the Tracinda Corporation, filed the lawsuit in the United States District Court in Delaware, contending that Daimler and its top officials had presented the deal as a ''merger of equals'' while planning all along to turn Chrysler into little more than an American division of the German multinational.
Securities lawyers described the lawsuit as one of the largest shareholder lawsuits ever by a single investor, and said that while it would be very difficult to restore Chrysler's independence, the lawsuit might have a chance of winning damages.
DaimlerChrysler issued a terse two-sentence statement this evening, criticizing the lawsuit without elaboration. ''DaimlerChrysler A.G. has not received a copy of the complaint,'' the company's response stated. ''Based on the statement made by Tracinda, the allegation appears to be completely without merit.''
Tracinda announced its lawsuit in a news release at 3:15 p.m., while financial markets were still open, and DaimlerChrysler responded a little over two hours later. Shares of DaimlerChrysler closed at $41.25, up $1.02 for the day and about half its value when the two companies began trading as a single stock on Nov. 17, 1998.
The three Daimler officials named in the lawsuit are Jurgen E. Schrempp, the chairman of DaimlerChrysler's management board; Hilmar Kopper, the chairman of DaimlerChrysler's supervisory board and also the chairman of the supervisory board of Deutsche Bank; and Manfred Gentz, DaimlerChrysler's chief financial officer. All three men held the same jobs with Daimler-Benz A.G. before its merger with Chrysler.
Tracinda was Chrysler's largest shareholder at the time of the merger, with a stake of 13.75 percent. After selling large blocks of stock since then, Tracinda now owns 4 percent of DaimlerChrysler, making it the German company's third-largest shareholder, after Deutsche Bank and the government of Kuwait.
Today's lawsuit seeks $1 billion for the fall in the value of Tracinda's stock since the merger took place. It seeks another $1 billion because the transaction was done as a merger instead of an outright acquisition in which a higher price might have been paid for control, and a further $6 billion in punitive damages.
Although portrayed publicly from the beginning, as well as in various proxy documents, as a ''merger of equals,'' the union of Daimler-Benz A.G. and the Chrysler Corporation has quickly become a company dominated by German executives.
While the original management board of the combined company had 10 Germans and 8 Americans, it now has only 3 Americans, one of whom, Thomas Gale, has announced his retirement next month. There are 9 Germans on the management board now, and a 10th is a so-called deputy member. Chrysler's profits have evaporated at the same time -- it posted a loss of $512 million in the third quarter -- although it is not clear how much of the responsibility for this decline can be attributed to the merger.


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2020 — A year to remember or forget? – The latest ‘Food in Canada’ food safety column by Ron Wasik
Food in Canada StaffBusiness Operations
“Without exception, 2020 has been a turbulent year for everyone,” states Dr. Ron Wasik, president of RJW Consulting Canada in his latest ‘Food in Canada’ food safety column. “There have been many changes at all levels in our industry. We have gone from working shoulder-to-shoulder to mandating PPE, social distancing and installing panels to separate employees. The word “pivot” has entered our day-to-day management conversations and it has taken on a real sense of urgency in our fight to survive. Strictly from a food safety point of view, much has also happened this year.”
Food safety and COVID-19
Concerns about whether the virus was being transmitted to people via foods emerged early in the pandemic. In time, the concern that foods transmitted the virus have virtually disappeared. However, this concern placed tremendous challenges upon our industry. Businesses with strong food safety cultures, validated food safety programs with well-articulated GMPs, SOPs and SSOP’s fared much better than those with poor programs. That’s because strong food safety cultures and strong food safety programs provided essentially all the critical safeguards to control infectious agents including viruses. Strong food safety cultures and programs also made pivoting easier. For example, these programs accelerated new product development, approving new suppliers and supplying new customers. These programs also improved worker compliance to staying safe at work and at home.
Safe Food for Canadians regulations and enforcement
Just as our industry, Health Canada and the CFIA were getting up to speed on the Safe Foods for Canadians regulations, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and each sector pivoted to address a “new reality.” Because our industry was deemed essential, it received considerable support from both provincial and federal governments and their agri-food affiliated agencies. Throughout this year I have participated on a number of calls to hear updates on the current state of the SFCRs and enforcement of the same.
The CFIA moved quickly to protect its inspectors from contracting the virus at work, a move that also protected food processors from inspectors from spreading the virus around to the plants they oversaw. The frequency of inspections was reduced significantly and the inspection focus was shifted to oversee processors deemed to be of higher risk. A practice of “virtual inspections” also began on a small scale.
In 2020 many importers were required to have a license and to comply with the SFCRs just like any Canadian food processor that sold products across provincial boundaries. On one of the recent calls I was on, it was reported that as of this autumn, the CFIA had issued close to 13,000 licenses. This is 2,000 licenses short of what the CFIA estimated it would have at this time. Given that I have never seen a reliable estimate of the number of food processors and importers in Canada in my 40 years in this industry, I won’t comment on the level of agri-food industry compliance with the SFCR licensing program. However, I will say that CFIA is grossly understaffed to be able to oversee 13,000 establishments, especially in our current pandemic environment. How does that make you feel? Food processors also need to be aware that they must renew their licenses in January 2021, which will be two years since the SFCRs came into effect.
There have also been a number of other regulatory “adjustments” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One such adjustment included permitting food products labelled and destined for the food service industry, which was devastated by closures, to be sold to retail establishments where food product stocks were being rapidly depleted by panicking consumers. Incidentally, this arrangement ends on December 31, 2020 but may be extended on an as-needed basis. Other adjustments included delaying implementing food labelling modernization measures as wells as embarking on “Phase III” of the SFCRs.
Another significant issue that arose was the self-sustainability of Canada’s food supply, given our reliance on importing foods and food ingredients. The provinces suggested that their “provincially-licensed establishments” currently permitted to sell only within their own province be allowed to sell across provincial borders. To the best of my knowledge, this was never done on a large scale because provincial regulations vary widely province to province and the caliber of inspection and compliance can leave a lot to be desired.
Food processors and regulators should look on 2020 as a year to remember as the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us to pivot and be patient with one another. Here is wishing for an end to COVID-19 in 2021. Keep safe!
Dr. R.J. (Ron) Wasik, PhD, MBA, CFS, is president of RJW Consulting Canada Ltd. Contact him at firstname.lastname@example.org
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New image for WildStar Wednesday heralds...the commencement of beta!
That's a lot of happy looking devs that comprise the WildStar team.
Is this what happens when a picnic has just too much good BBQ to stay quiet about?
Or has the time come for thousands of WildStar fans to start hitting F5 on their email accounts as they feverishly will beta keys to appear?
It would seem that WildStar has entered Closed Beta. While we await official confirmation, be sure that ZAM will deliver any information we have as soon as it is available.
F5, F5, F5...
UPDATE: The official Facebook page for Wildstar has confirmed the first batch of invites has gone out!
UPDATE AGAIN! Here's the WildStar press release for the beta:
"We are extremely excited to share with you and your readers that we have officially started our Closed Beta Testing for WildStar. We have already seen a phenomenal response from our fans and are looking to continually add thousands of players throughout CBT1 to come check out the great content we've been talking about for months. Our closed beta testing process is not a typical weekend event, but instead it will last for several weeks, giving players ample time to come in and check out the factions, races and classes they may choose to play when WildStar launches later this year.
And for those MMO fans that have yet to sign up for WildStar beta access, they can easily go to http://www.wildstar-online.com/en/beta/."


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Barkcloth to the Roots (B2TR) is an initiative to promote the use of barkcloth globally in the modern world, anchored in the ethos of the sustainable development goals, reminding us to preserve both our heritage and the environment. It endeavors to bring together people who are working with barkcloth in different and innovative ways, including those who harvest it and those who are using it. B2TR aims at saving the barkcloth heritage that is recognised by UNESCO.
The 3rd annual Bark to the Roots (B2TR) event titled Past, Present and Future, was the beginning of the campaign to plant one million mutuba trees from which bark cloth is made. The event that was held at the Uganda Museum was hosted by London-based designer José Hendo who extensively uses the cloth in her creations, and Bukomansimbi Organic Tree Farmers Association (BOTFA) who are growing the trees and getting the younger generation into the ancient practice of processing mutuba tree bark to create the cloth. They are working with the community to pass on the techniques to the younger generation so that the practice does not become obsolete.
Through the one-million mutuba tree-planting campaign, B2TR is promoting a practice that was declared World Heritage Material by UNESCO in 2005 to recognise barkcloth as the oldest man-made cloth. The technique by which the bark of the mutuba tree is manually processed to create a cloth is centuries old. B2TR endeavors to bring together people who are working with barkcloth in different and innovative ways including those who harvest it and those who are using it.
The event was attended by ambassadors and other government representatives, a representative from UNESCO, Dr Vinny Nakabugo from Makerere University, Fred Kato Mutebi, Sana and Sarah Nakisanze. There was a live demonstration of barkcloth processing from the BOTFA community and an exhibition of items made from barkcloth, including fashion garments and accessories. Designer José Hendo revealed a garment that she created from barkcloth that had been harvested the previous year from a tree that the designer adopted.
The launch of B2TR in 2014 brought together people who commercially produce various items in barkcloth. The initiative had a boost in 2015 when CNN filmed the community of barkcloth makers in Bukomansimbi as the first trees were planted for the program Inside Africa. The program also documented the traditional harvesting process for barkcloth.
We hope that the B2TR initiative will continue as an annual event with full participation of local stakeholders.


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Nike unveils portable laser soccer field in Spain
In promoting its new street-style soccer shoe, Nike has developed a portable soccer field, delineated by lasers.
Have you ever wandered the streets of Spain with at least eight of your friends, happened across a flat stretch of pavement and instantly felt the urge to play a game of pick-up soccer?
Now you can, thanks to Nike. And lasers.
In promoting their new line of street-specific soccer shoes (FC247), a traveling team from Nike Football Spain will show up and install a portable soccer field, all demarcated by lasers. Maybe someday this will be available to everybody as an app, but right now the technology is only being tested in Madrid.
Not that most pick-up games need an out-of-bounds line, but who could pass on a field made of laser beams?
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Arthur Levine Appears on CBS “Early Show”
May 01, 2007
Arthur Levine, the US editor of the Harry Potter books was a guest on the CBS Early Show today, to help launch the new Scholastic question as part of the “Soon There Will be 7″ campaign heralding the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on July 21. As posted below, the new question today asks “Is Snape Good or Evil,” and CBS reports:
Arthur Levine, co-editor of the “Harry Potter” books, said that the trivia questions help sustain the excitement surrounding the books.
“The hoopla has been going on for years, a decade,” Levine told The Early Show weatherman Dave Price. “We’re part of that excitement. We’re wondering all these questions, too. We wanted to help focus the conversation and be part of all the excitement, with all the readers who are wondering.”
At this link, you can watch video of this appearance (right side of page), as well as a few children sporting their Potter garb giving their thoughts on Professor Severus Snape. UPDATE: We also now have this in our video galleries for you to enjoy.


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Miranda Kerr is having a major Marilyn moment!
The model channeled her inner bombshell beauty while donning Marilyn Monroe's iconic white dress she wore in the 1955 film "The Seven Year Itch."
The former Victoria's Secret angel, who completed her costume with a curly blonde wig, red lipstick and filled-in eyebrows, posed for a mirror selfie on Oct. 25.
"💋💋💋," Miranda captioned the picture.
The 32-year-old accessorized with a pair of large diamond stud earrings and sparkling bangles.
The Australian fashion star has been very active on Instagram lately. On Oct. 23, Miranda showed off her incredible figure while promoting her new photo stitching app, Boomerang.
The third highest paid model in the world has one son with ex-husband Orlando Bloom.
She is currently dating billionaire founder Evan Spiegel.


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CORNWALL, Ontario – A total of 22 hopeful entrepreneurs entered to win a space with the Downtown Business Improvement Association (DBIA) this year, and the organization has narrowed down its top five hopefuls.
The finalists were announced on Monday, July 29 and include the following:
- Kelsey Lee, owner of Love and Lee, a chic bridal boutique offering trendy items and a relaxing experience for the bride.
- Bill Hallman and Kristin Davey, owners of The Happy Popcorn Co., Concession and Confectionery business offering gourmet popcorn and hard to find candy.
- Dinah Ener, owner of bathintentions, offering over 60 hand-crafted, artisan style bath products from soaps to scrubs and more.
- Christine Lapierre, owner of Fit From Within, offering one-on-one nutritional guidance, lifestyle coaching and personal training.
- Carol-Ann Breedy, owner of Till’s Eatery, Delicatessen and Pastries, offering a taste of Northern European food, including traditional dishes of Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and more.
Todd Lihou, Centretown Coordinator with Heart of the City, said the selection process is reminiscent of the television show Dragon’s Den, in which locals present their business platform to a panel of judges in hopes of investment from the DBIA. The winner will be selected on September 18 this year, with the final competition taking place at ESCA. YourTV will be in attendance to film all of the action, as one entrepreneur will be given $1,000 a month for a year to help offset rent or lease costs.
“The ultimate goal is to get more businesses in our downtown,” said Lihou, who explained that the Win This Space idea originally came from another county in Ontario. Lihou said he has received calls from DBIA organizations in Windsor and Branford who are looking to adopt similar initiatives.
Lihou said that the DBIA board was blown away with this year’s applicants and were especially impressed by the top five, as they all show promise to complimenting our downtown.
“They were blown away…it’s going to be very difficult for judges to make a decision on September 18…I think any would be great in our downtown,” he said. “That’s what we were kind of looking for, unique and niche businesses…”
Staff of last year’s Win This Space winner, Fairy Sweet, told Lihou that the financial support from the competition has allowed their business to grow and develop into a real anchor in our downtown core.


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Australian domestic coffee machine manufacturer Breville Group has acquired the home grinder specialist Baratza for approximately US$60 million (about $84 million).
That figure includes around US$43 million ($60 million) in cash and US$17 million ($24 million) worth of Breville shares.
“Kyle Anderson and I co-founded Baratza 21 years ago. It’s been an amazing adventure to build the company to its current position in the global specialty coffee market,” says Baratza CEO and Co-founder Kyra Kennedy, in an open letter from herself and Kyle.
“Over two decades later, the time has now come to look at where we are and determine the next steps for us and for Baratza. As we contemplated what the future would look like, it was important for us that any decision made would take care of our employees, consumers, distributors, manufacturer, and suppliers.”
Established in 1999, Baratza designs and markets premium coffee grinders for North American and international markets.
“In Breville Group, we are confident we have found a partner with shared values for customer care and a passion for product innovation and enhancing the specialty coffee experience. We look forward to combining our strengths in design and customer support, while continuing to maintain our uncompromising focus on quality and customer care, to create a dynamic new vision for our business,” Kyra and Kyle write.
“While we are now part of a larger group, we are the same team and brand. Staying true to who we are, while growing in a global marketplace, will enable us to continue to shape our future and place as one of the most admired and trusted brands in specialty coffee.”
Breville Group says the acquisition brings together two of the world’s leading companies in the design and global distribution of coffee products.
“We are excited by the opportunity to bring Baratza into the Breville family. Our combined experience will unlock dynamic revenue synergies for both businesses, that share a passion for innovation and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the consumer experience,” Breville Group CEO Jim Clayton says.


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The most important things to know when shopping for a new laptop, hybrid, or Windows tablet.
Black Friday arrives early as the e-commerce giant aims to attract more mobile-friendly shoppers.
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The software giant's latest video spot tries to spread some good cheer about its Surface Pro 3 tablet.
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A new report pegs Apple gadget as the most exciting upcoming entrant in the wearable tech race. But getting consumers to purchase and continue wearing these gadgets will prove pivotal.
Minnesota Democrat wants answers in the wake of a report that an Uber executive monitored a reporter's movements on the ride-sharing service.
The company's head of investor relations says the move is designed to make Samsung's smartphone business more efficient.


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Conversation with ECRM
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to many consumers buying their traditional food staples via ecommerce, and once it's over, this shopping behavior will likely be the new normal. As such, auto-replenishment technology solutions will not only help drive ecommerce supply chain efficiencies, but will also grow basket size and drive loyalty.
Join our CEO, Tom Furphy, as he joins Wayne Bennett, SVP of Retail at ECRM, to discuss the importance and growth of e-commerce in today’s retail environment, and how auto-replenishment capabilities can benefit retailers and brands. Tom also provides some insights into technology's role in retail's future, and what strategic areas retailers and suppliers should be exploring for the post Covid-19 world.


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Time: 7:30 am - 10:00 am
Place: Mission Bay Conference Center - Fisher Banquet Room
Overstock.com uses Coinbase to take bitcoin
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Online discount retailer Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSTK) said Thursday it will partner with San Francisco startup Coinbase to enable use of the virtual currency bitcoin for payment on its web shopping site.
The news comes on the heels of an announcement by online gaming company Zynga (NASDAQ: ZNGA) that it has begun testing the use of bitcoins for payments in some games.
"This is historic. Digital currency will be an important part of the future and Overstock is excited to be the first major online shopping retailer to accept it," said Overstock.com Chairman and CEO Patrick Byrne in a prepared statement. "As one who believes in limited government, this attracts me because it is a form of money that no government mandarin can will into existence."
Bitcoin is an electronic currency created by a mysterious computer programmer that operates on a network of thousands of computers run by people all over the world. It is the most widely used digital currency, with a total market cap of approximately $9.7 billion.
Coinbase, launched in June of 2012, will process payments for Salt Lake City-based Overstock, converting bitcoin into U.S. dollars. Bitcoin was trading for about $13 a year ago, but has been hovering around $1,000 of late as enthusiasts have driven the price up. Overstock considers bitcoin similar to gold in that its supply is constrained mathematically at 21 million units with growth forward regulated in a predictable manner.
Coinbase said in a blog post Thursday that the Overstock partnership “marks the largest retail bitcoin implementation to date,” with Overstock saying it will take bitcoin for some 1 million products.
The startup has received $31 million in funding, including a $25 million round led by the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. It claims 771,000 customers are using its virtual wallet services at 19,000 merchants, and it boasts integration with U.S. banks.
Patrick covers technology.
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CROSSETT, Ark. (03/18/20) — Coronavirus panic has cleared the shelves of cleaning supplies and paper towel and tissue paper products. Across Georgia-Pacific and at the Crossett mill, employees have been working to meet customer demands.
“We are working daily,” Public Affairs Manager, Jennifer King said. “Our trucks are still running. There are no problems with our truck inventory or our truck drivers and they are still running 24/7 as well.”
G.P. announced plans earlier this year so invest 37 million dollars into the Crossett mill. The investment will go towards infrastructure, information technology and production line improvements that would put the mill in a strategic position to be highly competitive in the marketplace.
Since the announcement in January, the mill has already seen upgrades to its machines which has helped get their products out.
“It’s helped us with our stability so that we can make quality product even faster,” King said. “We have ramped up production 120 percent in the last two weeks.”
The mill produces Angel Soft and Quilted Northern tissue paper and Sparkle paper towel.
Brookshire’s Store Director in Crossett, Napoleon Brown, said he’s seen customers buying items in bulk. That’s why their store and other stores have had to limit the number of items being bought per household.
“We have to play things by ear because we own very limited grocery trucks and we don’t know when they come or what’s on them that’s why the limits have been set in place,” Brown said.
King said their products are shipped all across the country so stores in Crossett or even in the state aren’t necessarily the first ones to receive products.
“We address production across the larger footprint to supply our customers with our products,” she said.
Throughout this pandemic, King said the mill will continue to meet customer demand as quickly as possible.


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Man about change
Change is inevitable, but creating it needs a hands-on attitude. Employees and customers alike have come to know Steve Wager, MD of Scania South Africa, as such a man. GAVIN MYERS finds out why
Having been at the helm of the organisation for four years now, Wager has guided his team and the company through some significant changes. He doesn’t for a moment discount the hard work it’s taken to get to this point.
Explaining that the journey of getting closer to Scania’s customers began at the end of 2012, Wager notes that the company now works “in a totally cross-functional way, offering transport solutions to our customers”.
“We shortened our decision-making processes and improved customer satisfaction by restructuring our organisation and decentralising responsibilities to five regions; each headed by a regional director. Today, we continue to expand the range of services available to our customers, so they can focus on running their businesses, rather than maintaining their vehicle fleets,” he says.
At the heart of it all, says Wager, is Scania’s commitment to maximising the profitability of its customers. “Take, for example, our most recent offering: an insurance solution, which is truly tailored to each specific application and type of operation. By utilising this solution, each operator can be assured that they have the optimal protection for their assets,” he explains.
Wager is convinced that innovations like this are essential in South Africa’s rapidly changing, and increasingly competitive, commercial vehicle market. “This situation is true for us as original equipment manufacturers and for our customers as transport providers. As the pressure on transporters’ margins increases, they are focusing more and more on the cost of ownership and vehicle uptime. At Scania, we feel we are experts in supporting both of these demands.”
Wager takes the demands of his clients very seriously indeed … they are essential to the growth of the company. He explains: “Scania will only grow if we are able to continue to offer our customers outstanding customer service. When things do go wrong, resolving the problem quickly and getting the customer’s vehicle back on the road are not negotiable.
“Additionally, we must continue to find ways to take away the hassle of running and maintaining a vehicle fleet, by offering flexible and tailored solutions to meet our customers’ needs. When a customer has a problem or challenge to overcome, we want him to immediately think: ‘Let’s ask Scania’.”
He assures that there are more model ranges and service innovations on the cards. “Scania will continue to grow in South Africa, becoming more and more a true and recognised solutions provider.”
It’s clear then that Wager and his team are passionate about the brand and confident in their ability to live its values and surpass customer demands. Wager humbly explains that the reason for this is three-fold.
“I admire the company’s core values: customer first, quality and respect for the individual, which align with my own values.
“Second, the brand is strong and we build bloody sexy trucks and buses,” he smiles. “The product is robust and reliable.”
“Last, and certainly not least, I love the people with whom I work and interact. We are proud and committed employees at Scania, and one can feel it when meeting with Scania colleagues from anywhere in the world – especially here in South Africa.”
Speaking of being anywhere in the world, Wager is always keen to encourage his colleagues to broaden their horizons and think outside the box. “I have always felt that travelling, discovering new places and learning new cultures enables this.”
At 54 years old, Wager is excited that he still has time ahead to indulge this passion. “I would like to think I have ten years more to go in my career, and, as much as I love South Africa, I am sure that by then I will be working in another market somewhere in the Scania world,” he says.
No doubt Scania South Africa and its customers will rue the day, but such is change. Wager has some reassuring words, though: “Thank you for your commitment. We are with you, all the way.”


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Elon Musk is allowed to celebrate: On the stock exchange, the electric car pioneer Tesla has been the world’s most valuable car maker for some time, but now the success is increasingly reflected in the quarterly figures.
Palo Alto – The US electric car manufacturer Tesla was in the black in a row in the fifth quarter and confirmed its ambitious annual targets. In the three months to the end of September a net profit of 331 million dollars (279 million euros) was achieved, as the company of the dazzling tech billionaire Elon Musk announced on Wednesday (local time) in Palo Alto, California. Tesla increased its earnings year-on-year by a whopping 131 percent.
Sales grew 39 percent to $ 8.8 billion, a new record. Tesla clearly exceeded expectations, the stock reacted after the hours with a significant price increase. With the surprisingly strong quarterly figures, Tesla is expanding its series of successes – since it was founded in 2003, the company has never been profitable over such a long period of time.
Almost 320,000 cars sold to customers
The company also affirmed that it is sticking to its ambitious plan to deliver half a million vehicles this year, despite the stress of the Corona crisis. In the first three quarters, almost 320,000 cars were sold to customers, 139,593 of them in the past quarter. Achieving the annual target of 500,000 deliveries, however, has become more difficult, admitted Tesla in the annual report with a view to the pandemic.
On the stock exchange, Tesla has been the world’s most valuable carmaker for some time. Since the beginning of the year, the share price has risen by a good 400 percent, in the past twelve months by almost 730 percent. Most recently, Tesla’s market value was $ 394 billion. This means that the e-car pioneer from Silicon Valley is trading more than three times as high as the two largest US manufacturers, General Motors and Ford combined in terms of market shares, despite much lower sales figures. Tesla is also miles ahead of the German car companies in terms of market value.
Written deep red numbers for years
For Tesla’s CEO Musk, who also runs the SpaceX rocket company and many other projects, the soaring is a triumph. For years, his company was in the red, the future seemed uncertain. Now Tesla even delivered a record in operating profit – although the car market as a whole is groaning considerably from the Corona crisis. “The third quarter was the best in our history,” said Musk after the presentation of the financial report in a conference switch with financial analysts.
Meanwhile, Tesla is continuing to vigorously drive its international expansion; production at the Chinese plant in Shanghai is to be ramped up quickly. In addition, the construction of the first European factory in Grünheide near Berlin is progressing rapidly. Tesla plans to produce and deliver the first cars here as early as next year. In addition, the group wants to quickly pull up another US car plant in Austin, Texas, where the compact SUV Model Y and the planned cybertruck will roll off the assembly line.
In Germany, Tesla is also expanding its presence by joining the new auto supplier ATW. After purchasing the Grohmann company in 2016, the Californians are now participating in the second Rhineland-Palatinate company. Tesla has now received the green light from the Federal Cartel Office, as a spokesman for the authority announced. ATW belonged to the Canadian manufacturer ATS Automation Tooling Systems, which wanted to close the location in Rhineland-Palatinate. Tesla saves jobs at the company with around 210 employees, which BMW, Daimler and VW counts among its customers.


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Tesla aims to support clean transportation by opening its own patentsJune 16, 2014
Tesla Motors opens its supercharger technology patents into order to support electric vehicles
Tesla Motors has established a strong reputation for itself in the world of transportation. The company has won acclaim for its electric vehicles, which are significantly more advanced and more efficient than the battery-powered vehicles of the past. In a relatively short amount of time, Tesla has managed to cause some turbulence in the auto industry by becoming one of the most successful and well supporter automakers to produce an electric vehicle. Tesla may be ready to help other companies find similar success.
Tesla vehicles continue to win acclaim for their use of innovative technology and their near unparalleled efficiency
Tesla’s vehicles have won support from consumers largely due to the use of innovative technology. These vehicles are equipped with lithium-ion batteries and fast charging technology that make them more efficient and attractive to consumers. The supercharging technology is particularly attractive to automakers that are also interested in clean transportation. This technology can cut down on the charging time for electric vehicles by a significant margin, turning a 10-hour charging time into a much less time consuming venture.
Technology patents may help other automakers develop electric vehicles that are attractive to consumers interested in clean transportation
Tesla has announced that it is opening up its supercharger technology patents, making this technology more widely available in an effort to further promote electric vehicles. The patents are expected to help automakers understand how Tesla’s supercharging technology works, giving them an opportunity to incorporate similar technologies into their own vehicles. This technology may go a long way in making electric vehicles more popular among consumers.
Long charging times may eventually be a thing of the past for electric vehicles thanks to Tesla
Long charging times are one of the drawbacks of modern electric vehicles. Most of these vehicles require several hours to be charged to full, which makes them somewhat unpopular for those with long commutes or time-sensitive schedules. Clean transportation is gaining popularity, but without innovative technology to help promote electric vehicles, consumers may be slow to embrace clean transportation in any significant fashion.


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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Raw milk is getting sour treatment lately. There have been at least five outbreaks in the U.S. of campylobacteriosis, a bacterial infection linked to raw milk.
In Georgia, the law dictates that farmers can sell raw milk — but only for animal consumption.
Raw milk is consumed in countries outside of the United States all the time. And within the U.S., the raw milk movement is trying to showcase the benefits. These benefits can include adding more protein, good carbohydrates and fats to someone’s diet, as well as vitamins and minerals.
However, the negative aspects get all the attention, including the national case of an Amish dairy farmer, Vernon Hershberger, who was acquitted in Wisconsin May 25 on three of four criminal charges, which included operating an unlicensed retail store that sold raw milk.
Raw milk, or unpasteurized milk, is 150 times more likely to cause foodborne illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This is amplified by news reports of contaminated raw milk and food poisoning.
Milk pasteurization became a common practice in 1886 by German agricultural chemist Franz von Soxhlet.
But a strong proponent of unpasteurized milk is the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Celeste Skouscn, of Johns Creek, volunteers for the foundation and drinks raw milk herself.
Skouscn had to do some research to find a farmer, but she eventually got in contact with a farmer who sells raw milk and other raw products around the Atlanta area. She continues to buy raw products from the same farmer.
Locally, the Rockmart, Ga.-based Carlton Farms visits nine metro Atlanta areas weekly to sell locally grown food, meat and raw milk for “pet consumption.”
In Cumming, the mobile market stops each Wednesday at a local church, Chalcedon Presbyterian Church, 302 Pilgrim Mill Road, and averages about 40 customers. On Thursday mornings, consumers line up at Fish Family Chiropractic, 455 West Crossville Road in Roswell.
Chad Carlton, co-owner of Carlton Farms, understands that everyone is busy and doesn’t have the time to stop at farmers markets. His family sells products to customers who order the night before. This ensures nothing goes to waste.
As a seller of local products, Carlton understands that while raw milk is his top seller, he has to respect the law and all the milk he sells has a label stating it is not for human consumption.
The law doesn’t stop Skouscn and several other people from buying the raw milk for personal consumption. Skouscn interprets the law as a restriction on sellers, not buyers and the law doesn’t address what consumers do with it.
“It’s not fun to buy milk that has a big skull and crossbones on it. But from a practical standpoint, I know it’s a super healthy food and it’s wonderful for my family,” Skouscn said. “For me, the benefits far outweigh the risks.”
Because of the bad reputation raw milk gets, two Forsyth County farmers contacted for this story did not want their names used.
Farmer No. 1 prefers to sell raw goat milk to his customers because he believes it’s the best milk for children to consume, besides human milk.
A bigger problem, according to Farmer No. 1, is fast food.
“If you think about how unhealthy so many of our food choices are that are legal and approved with the Food and Drug Administration, and how many people die as a result of heart disease, they come from all this unhealthy fried food,” said Farmer No. 1. “We have a lot of people dying from bad food in this country, yet fresh, raw and high quality food is bad.”
The hazard of cross contamination is one reason why another Forsyth farmer, Farmer No. 2, makes sure her customers understand the label on her milk that states it is not for human consumption.
“What people do with it when they take it home is up to them,” said Farmer No. 2. “I look at it as if someone were to go to the store to buy a bottle of bleach and when you get home if you want to consume it, that’s up to you.”


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BroadSign International has partnered with TINT to make its social media marketing platform readily available to Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) media owners.
TINT’s platform allows marketers and advertisers to source real content from local communities, which increases engagement and drives conversions through dynamic social platforms and layouts. DOOH media owners using BroadSign’s automated CMS will be able to personalise and control the content taken from major social networks, messaging apps, review sites and blogs before displaying it on prominent screens with the confidence that only desired content will be played.
“Already working with leading technology platforms in other media, we are excited to be collaborating with the industry standard in digital signage,” said Tim Sae Koo, CEO at TINT. “BroadSign’s campaign-based approach to content management, API for integrations and proof of performance reporting will work synergistically with TINT’s platform and benefit premium digital signage networks and their viewers.”
BroadSign and TINT have already seen joint execution come to life through Exterion Media UK’s March 2016 World Wildlife Fund campaign and Global Radio activation across the London Underground. DOOH displays encouraged transit passengers to declare their support through social media, with TINT enabling the collection and curation of all conversations shared via #EarthHourUK on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
“BroadSign customers are looking for a simple and effective means of incorporating social media in their campaigns, be they in advertising or verticals such as internal communications,” said Jean Beaudry, Chief Operating Officer at BroadSign. “With global offices, a cross-license deal with Monster Media and relationships with brands from Coca-Cola to the United Nations, we believe TINT will be an appealing addition to our customers’ toolkits.”


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Political fashion – whether it be Obama dresses in 2008, anti-Muslim ban wares, or t-shirts promoting feminism – is all the rage on the runway. Meanwhile, in D.C., the Supreme Court’s nine justices engaged in a discussion about politics-inspired fashion on Wednesday as they heard arguments over a Minnesota law that bars voters from wearing politically-charged garments and accessories to the polls.
Amid the arguments over apparel – during which time “almost every one of the justices had some hypothetical article of clothing to talk about as they explored the issue of free speech at polling places and whether various clothing items or accessories could be prohibited, per the AP – at least a few of the justices suggested support for some form of polling place restrictions. Chief Justice John Roberts, for instance, noted the “important civic obligation” of the voting progress and seemed to see merit voters being able to enjoy “peace and quiet without being bombarded by another campaign display.”
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg asked about the legality of a #MeToo pin, while Justice Elena Kagan wanted to know about clothing that says “Resist” or “Make America Great Again.” Justice Samuel Alito rattled of a long list of garments and accessories that might be impacted by the law, such as a National Rifle Association t-shirt, shirts with the text of the First and Second Amendments, and a shirt with a rainbow flag.
As noted by the AP, “Most states have laws restricting what voters can wear to the polls, but Minnesota’s law is one of the broadest. It bars voters from casting a ballot wearing clothing with the name of a candidate or political party or related to an issue on the ballot. But Minnesota voters also can’t wear clothing promoting a group with recognizable political views. That means no tea party T-shirts, AFL-CIO hats or MoveOn.org buttons.”
Opponents of Minnesota’s law say it is simply too broad, whereas state legislation argue that is is a reasonable restriction for the sole purpose of maintaining order at polling places and preventing voter intimidation.
A decision in the case, 16-1435 Minnesota Voters Alliance v. Mansky, is expected by the end of June.


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TROY, Mich., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Affinity Bands, the industry leader in customization of wearable tech, today announced that since launch of its original collegiate line of products two years ago, the company has experienced 500 percent month-over-month growth that continues to accelerate. This ongoing momentum reflects significant market opportunity in wearables and the ever-growing demand for smart watch personalization. According to Neil Cybert (9to5Mac), Apple wearables shipped 60 to 70 million units in 2019, and are on pace this year to outsell the entire Swiss watch industry.
Product introduction highlights from Affinity Bands this past year include:
"With a growing portfolio of brand partnerships and unique designs, we are well-positioned to continue delivering an ever-growing collection of stylish wearables for customers' tech devices," said CEO David Schowalter. "Affinity Bands serves as a bridge that brings together the world's most recognized sports, fitness and lifestyle brands with the technology people are using (smart watches, fitness trackers, and home technology assistants), allowing consumers to merge their personal relations with their favorite tech."
With more than 200 active licenses and over 10,000 unique products, Affinity Bands continues to grow its portfolio of brand relationships that include bands for game time (NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS) and direct licenses with the NCAA, fraternities, sororities, U.S. military, and a growing portfolio of lifestyle brands including Gold's Gym and Realtree.
Key products include:
Affinity Bands (www.affinitybands.com) leads the charge toward personalization of smart watches and wearable tech, giving consumers the ability to make their tech unique to their individual interests. The company collaborates with a wide range of brands, teams, and organizations to expand their reach and awareness through high-quality, branded wearable accessories and is committed to using only top-quality materials and cutting-edge production methods to provide an exceptionally refined product.
SOURCE Affinity Bands
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This is an archived short article and the information in the article may well be outdated. Please glimpse at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last up-to-date.
Have you received a cell phone phone from a cell phone number in Antigua, Jamaica or an additional Caribbean island? You’re not by itself.
The Improved Business Bureau is warning cell cell phone people to be on the lookout for a new “one ring” rip-off that could result in unauthorized charges on your wireless bill.
In accordance to the BBB, a remote computer is sending 1000’s of phone calls to random cell mobile phone figures.The phone only rings when and then disconnects.
Some curious buyers will then return the missed phone and will straight away be charged $19.95 for an global contact cost and an additional $9-for every-moment cost, according to a information launch from the BBB.
People who have been ripped off report the phone calls occur from the Caribbean Islands, including Grenada, Antigua, Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands, the BBB mentioned.
Phone calls ordinarily originate from exterior the United States. A single girl told the BBB her caller ID indicated the contact originated in Antigua or Barbuda (area code 268). Other consumers throughout the region report calls from the Dominican Republic (809), Jamaica (876), British Virgin Islands (284) and Grenada (473).
The exercise of 3rd functions placing unauthorized prices on wi-fi accounts is identified as “cramming.” The Better Small business Bureau suggests if you don’t recognize an out-of-point out telephone number on your caller ID, ignore it and if you do response, do not connect with back.


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Consumers are looking to on-demand video programming more and more, but the pay-TV operators who generally control those offerings may be facing some disruptive challenges in the near future.
According to The NPD Group, video-on-demand revenues from pay-TV services hit $1.3 billion last year, with 15% of consumers age 13 or older having used the services at least once in the 12-month period between August 2010 and August 2011. All told, there were about 40 million users of video on demand during that 12-month period, according to NPD (formerly National Purchase Diary.)
However, a competitive set of Internet video-on-demand options is growing at a healthy clip as well. Revenues from Internet video-on-demand hit $204 million last year, and the channel (which includes offerings from iTunes, Amazon, Vudu and others) hit seven million users by August 2011. According to NPD, one out of every six (16%) paid video-on-demand movie rental transactions were attributed to Internet sources in 2011.
With the increase in Internet-connected video devices (particularly TVs), that number could accelerate quickly. “Internet-connected everything will absolutely accelerate adoption, and it wouldn't be surprising to see doubling of iVOD in a year to 18 months,” Russ Crupnick, senior vice president of industry analysis for the NPD Group, tells Marketing Daily.
Moreover, the evidence suggests that more consumers are choosing to forgo the pay-TV services for the Internet services. According to NPD, iVOD users reduced the time they spent watching television shows, news and sports via pay-TV companies by 12% between August 2010 and August 2011. According to NPD, consumers perceive iVOD movies to be a better value than those offered by pay-TV companies and that the Internet offers greater availability of titles.
“Cable companies need to improve the user experience, become better marketers of VOD, and work with [production companies and studios] on getting ‘most favored nation status,’” Crupnick says. “Consumers will ultimately use a variety of services so there is opportunity for cable to be one. But there also risk they get shuffled out.”
“iVOD distributors are effectively using CRM, free trials, and other promotions to gain trial usage of their services by new customers,” Crupnick said. “With this new competition eating away at revenues, pay-TV operators need to be equally aggressive with promotions, in order to instill a habit of movie buying among their subscribers.”


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Vaccines push Pfizer beyond expectations in final quarter
COVID-19 vaccine sales boosted Pfizer earnings well past analyst expectations in the final quarter of 2021, but the drugmaker is setting a lower-than-expected bar for 2022.
Pfizer said Tuesday that it expects adjusted earnings in the new year to range from $6.35 to $6.55 per share on $98 billion to $102 billion in revenue.
Industry analysts were expecting earnings of $6.71 per share on $103.18 billion in revenue, according to FactSet.
Pfizer shares started sliding in early trading.
In the fourth quarter, Pfizer said its two-shot coronavirus vaccine, Comirnaty, brought in more than $12.5 billion in revenue, which helped the company's total top line double compared to the last quarter of 2020.
Pfizer books the vast majority of revenue from Comirnaty and splits profit, as well as the cost to make and distribute the vaccine, with development partner BioNTech.
Late in the fourth quarter, Pfizer also debuted Paxlovid, the first pill treatment to fight COVID-19. The new drug only generated $76 million in U.S. sales after receiving regulatory approval shortly before Christmas.
But analysts and Pfizer expect it to bring in about $22 billion in sales this year, according to FactSet.
Outside Comirnaty and Paxlovid, Pfizer products include several cancer treatments, other vaccines and internal medicine drugs like Eliquis, for preventing blood clots and strokes.
Overall, Pfizer reported adjusted earnings of $1.08 for the fourth quarter on $23.84 billion in revenue.
Analysts expected earnings of 87 cents per share on $24.16 billion in sales for the fourth quarter.


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Sydney Morning Herald, Charlotte Harper, Clancy Yeates
June 14, 2011 - 1:50PM
President of the Australian Booksellers Association Jon Page, hits back at Minister's statement.
Booksellers' jaws dropped today upon hearing that federal Minister for Small Business Nick Sherry had predicted that online shopping would wipe out general bookstores within five years.
The minister said this morning he expected that only specialist players in capital cities would survive. After online competition helped trigger this year's collapse of Australia's biggest bookselling chain, Angus & Robertson, Senator Sherry said further growth in online sales was "inevitable".
The rise of e-books is a massive challenge for bookshops.
This would leave business owners exposed if they failed to adapt to the new environment, he said. "I think in five years, other than a few specialist booksellers in capital cities we will not see a bookstore, they will cease to exist," Senator Sherry said in Canberra today. Steve Belton, manager of the Paperchain Bookstore at Manuka, was taken aback to hear of the minister's remarks. "That's left me open-mouthed, I can't believe someone has said that," he said this afternoon. "I'm just astonished to hear that sort of comment. "As the Minister for Small Business, [such talk] is not really supporting small businesses." Mr Belton pointed out that an increase in online sales would not just affect bookshops. "You'd have to say it would affect just about any sort of shop, so why has he picked on bookshops?" he said. Australian Booksellers Association chief executive Joel Becker's initial response was similar. "I'm gobsmacked," he said. Mr Becker said he had written to the minister saying he was stunned to hear of the remarks. "It's an industry that's obviously going through changes, and we're responding to those changes by working out ways for even the smallest bookstores to go online and sell e-books; we've been doing it so far without any support from the government," he said. "We're getting ready to have National Bookshop Day in August, celebrating the role of the bookshop in the community and we just found his comments extraordinarily unhelpful. "I've asked him to explain them to me, and the rest of the sector for that matter." The Booksellers' Association's president, Jon Page, of Pages and Pages Booksellers at Mosman in Sydney, said the minister had demonstrated "a distinct lack of understanding about the Australian book industry". "It seems he'd rather promote overseas businesses who do not collect much needed revenue than help the ones within his portfolio. "I doubt he's even looked at any industry stats to make a remark like that." Mr Page said the Australian market differed greatly from those in the US and Britain. "The independents in Australia make up 20 per cent of the market, compared to the US where it's only 9 and in the UK less than 4 per cent. "That just shows the diversity and range of bookshops that are in Australia. "I think there's still a place for an independent that services their local community."


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If there’s one thing writer-director Adam McKay’s “Vice” does well, it’s highlight how white mediocrity has thrived in American politics and pop culture. But McKay also does this by way of.. Credit: The Wrap - Published
After dropping a whopping $430k to pay off Walmart customers' layaways last week, Tyler Perry inadvertently inspired Kid Rock to follow suit in his holiday cheer. Tune in to find out how much money Kid..
The 'All Summer Long' hitmaker is 'bringing incredible joy to about 350 families in Nashville' by clearing off the balances of 350 layaway accounts at a local Walmart store. Credit: AceShowbiz - Published
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Singer Kid Rock says he followed the lead of actor Tyler Perry by paying off the layaway items of hundreds of Walmart customers in Tennessee. Store manager Tom Meyer tells The.. Credit: Seattle Times - Published
Kid Rock was feeling the Christmas spirit this week -- thanks in part to Tyler Perry -- and helped hundreds of Nashville residents save some cash for the holidays. The rocker announced Friday that he.. Credit: TMZ.com - Published
Tyler Perry may have just played his best role yet: (Not So) Secret Santa.
Perry covered the cost of layaway items at two Atlanta-area Walmarts on Thursday, the “Madea” creator said in a Twitter.. Credit: The Wrap - Published
ON TODAY'S SHOW Tyler Perry Drops $400k For Holiday Shoppers George Clooney: Family Outing! Kareem Hunt: Police Launch Internal Investigation SpongeBob Creator: Ashes Scattered At Sea Credit: TMZ.com - Published
Christmas came early for a bunch of lucky Walmart customers ... because Tyler Perry just picked up their tabs. Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... the famous actor and filmmaker wrote a couple.. Credit: TMZ.com - Published
Lil Jesse Gutierrez’s Sleigh will be a Ford F-150 from Planet Ford
HOUSTON (PRWEB) November 27, 2018
An inspiring young cancer survivor named Lil Jesse Gutierrez is paying it forward with the.. Credit: PRWeb - Published
Since 2009, the Academy has been handing out its Honorary Oscars at the Governors Awards, an annual event designed both to give the honorees a fuller, more lavish presentation and to shorten the Oscar.. Credit: The Wrap - Published


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The3-door vehicle shows strongly sculpted lines, oversize flared rear-wheel arches and a racy design philosophy that is new for Kia. It hints at both a compact CUV or sporty hatchback.
Pundits see concept car as rival to Nissan Juke or Mini Paceman.
Kia plans to show a concept car at the Geneva auto show next month that will reflect the Korean auto maker’s new design language, which will be used on the next-generation Rio and other “urban” cars of different sizes, the company says.
Kia has released renderings of the concept, but has yet to reveal the car’s size or the market segment at which it is aimed.
The 3-door vehicle has strongly sculpted lines, oversize flared rear-wheel arches and a racy design philosophy that is new for Kia. However, it is difficult to determine whether the car reflects a compact cross/utility vehicle, as the front view suggests, or a sporty hatchback.
A Kia spokesman says only that the vehicle has the auto maker’s “signature tiger-nose morphing into a mischievous yet friendly grille and headlight arrangement, coupled with strong styling lines that exude speed and energy from every angle.”
Pundits see the concept car as a rival to battle theJuke and Mini Paceman, but Kia is staying mum until March 5, when the wraps come off, the spokesman tells WardsAuto. The auto maker also will debut a GT version of its c’eed at Geneva.
Kia plans to reveal the new Soul in Korea sometime in the first quarter, which will have significant body changes from the current version but retain “an iconic design of its own,” the spokesman says.
– with Giancarlo Perini in Valbonne, France


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Snag a bargain book at big Warwick sale
THERE'S nothing like getting lost in a great novel and Warwick residents will have the chance to pick up a whole bundle at a bargain price this weekend.
Selling books for no more than $2, the Lifeline Warwick Bookfest will help make reading accessible while also supporting a worthy cause.
Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland business services manager Angela Klein said there would be many novels and children's books up for grabs.
"Some children's books are very expensive so we're keeping the kids books very inexpensive so they'll go on and read and like education throughout their years,” Ms Klein said.
All books will be priced at $2 but children's books will be no more than $1.
The event will run from 3-8pm on Friday and 8am-2pm on Saturday at St Mary's Parish Hall, on the corner of Wood St and Acacia Ave.
Eftpos will be available.


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Capital raises in cannabis exceed pre-pandemic levels to $10+ billion
Cannabis industry capital raises exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2021, with $10.1 billion raised in the first three quarters of the year, according to New Frontier Data’s new report, Cultivating Capital: Cannabis Finance & Investment, released in partnership with FTI Consulting.
Since 2019, a total of $25.9 billion has been raised and the recent surge of investment is focused on cannabis therapies, product innovation and tech solutions. Consumer demand of high-THC products totalled $415 billion globally in 2020 and that’s expected to grow to $500 billion by 2025 (and that’s a lot of THC).
“North American companies — both Canadian and American — are deploying an unprecedented amount of capital in emerging European and Latin American cannabis markets,” said New Frontier founder and executive chair Giadha A. DeCarcer.
Enjoy Cannabis Daily each morning at 7 a.m.
US regulations obstruct cannabis research
A paper published by the National Cancer Institute says conflicting cannabis regulations are making it difficult to research its applications and public health impacts, reports Marijuana Moment.
The regulatory and administrative hurdles include:
- Accessing legal products
- Lack of standardization and quality control with states
- No national oversight of standards or quality control
- Research requires a “single domestic source” of cannabis
- Arduous administrative processes
“Because of the time, expenses, and regulatory knowledge required to get a single study started in this field, researchers will frequently opt not to pursue work in this area,” reads the paper.
Now you can safely buy cannabis in the metaverse
Higher Life CBD is one of the first cannabis brands to open a CBD dispensary in the metaverse, reports Forbes. Consumers can place an order through the gamified Ethereum blockchain-supported Cryptovoxels world, and receive their order IRL to their home.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to think about safe alternatives when it comes to communicating with employees and customers,” said CEO Brandon Howard.. “For some, that means looking beyond the physical world and thinking outside of the box.”
Europe (finally) increases THC limits on hemp
After a 25-year struggle, hemp THC limits have finally been restored to 0.3%, reports BusinesCann.
The THC limit was first set by the European Union in 1984 at 0.5 %. In 1988, the limit was lowered to 0.3 % to “protect public health.” In 1999, they were lowered further to 0.2%.
Lorenza Romanese, managing director of the European Industrial Hemp Association, called it a win. “The recent increase in hemp crop THC levels represents not only a win for the European hemp sector, but also a step forward in the direction of more science-based policies,” sayid Lorenza Romanese. Managing Director of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA).
Still room to grow
But BusinessCann warned there is still “some way to go” before comprehensive regulations are established. For now, the limit increase just applies to hemp cultivators eligible to receive direct payments through the Common Agricultural Policy.


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Beijing-based on-demand grocery delivery startup MissFresh has closed a new round of financing, bagging an undisclosed sum from investors including CICC Capital. Previously, the startup has been valued above USD 3 billion, 36Kr reported on Thursday.
MissFresh, which was set up in 2014, declined to comment on the deal when contacted by 36Kr. Before this round, the startup has collected nearly USD 900 million in eight rounds from investors including Tencent and Goldman Sachs, said 36Kr.
This new round came after the COVID-19 pandemic boosted online business. The company told South China Morning Post in April that users above 40 on its platforms jumped 237% from January 23 to February 23.
MissFresh main business is selling fresh produce and food via its app and WeChat mini program, and also providing delivery. The company has warehouses in more than 20 cities in China and its own delivery fleet.
36Kr is KrASIA’s parent company
This article is part of KrASIA’s “China Brief” section, where KrASIA’s reporters will provide quick daily updates about the tech ecosystem in China.


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EU Puts Brakes on Nokia's Navteq Buy
Mar 28, 2008, 11:19 AM by Eric M. Zeman
updated Mar 28, 2008, 11:52 AM
The European Union is exploring anti-trust issues regarding Nokia's pending purchase of digital mapmaker Navteq. The deal received U.S. approval in December 2007.
Nov 18, 2020
Google today launched a major revamp of its Google Pay app with a new interface and several major new features. Instead of a stack of cards and list of transactions, the new interface centers around the people and businesses you exchange money with, with a conversation-style interface for each person, group, and business.
May 20, 2022
Qualcomm has taken the wraps off the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and Snapdragon 7 Gen 1. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is, as its name implies, a turbo-charged version of the existing Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 flagship chip.
Jun 9, 2022
The European Union has all but finalized a new rule that will require mobile devices to include a USB-C port for wired charging. This includes phones, as well as Bluetooth headphones, tablets, cameras, and laptops.
Mar 24, 2022
After years of testing across multiple states, Arizona is now the first US state to officially offer a digital driver's license / state ID stored digitally in a phone. Arizona residents can now add their ID to Apple Wallet by scanning their face and physical ID card using the phone's camera, pending state agency approval.
Jun 18, 2020
Regulatory filings for a new phone from TCL bear the name "REVVL 4+" and describe a phone supporting all of the network bands unique to the T-Mobile/Sprint network. Since 2017, T-Mobile has offered a series of white-label phones under its own "T-Mobile REVVL" brand.


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Oman may look for investor in telco this year if 'favourable', economy minister says.
Oman may revive its plan to sell a 30-percent stake in Oman Telecommunications Co (Omantel) this year, the minister of national economy told Reuters on Sunday.Oman, which owns 70 percent of the telecoms carrier with the rest traded on the Muscat bourse, postponed plans to sell the stake in December 2008, citing weak global economic conditions.
"We are waiting for the global market to recover so we can start looking for a strategic investor again for Omantel," the minister, Ahmed Mekki, said.
"It may happen this year provided it is favourable to us."
Oman has said it would make any sale to a long-term investor and not to the public. (Reuters)